Mass and I have talked about it, and we've decided to do something unique for the judging here in this league. Instead of having a handful of designated judges who might lose interest partway through the playoffs, we're going to have the GMs in the league decide on the outcome of each playoff match-up.

I want us to have at least 8 general managers willing to cast their votes as judges for other match-ups, 10 would be ideal though I wouldn't mind it if everyone signed up. That would actually be the best thing, but I know some people don't have the time to devote to that sort of thing, and it wouldn't be fair to the other people waiting on their vote.

This way, we'll have active participation in each playoff match-up from a variety of GMs and we'll get more discussion and analysis going with different perspectives. We'll have interest in every playoff match-up this way, instead of people just ignoring everything but their own match.

The cut-off will be at an even number, Massacre and I are already going to be judges as well. If we end up needing a swing-vote in the case of a tie (5-5, 6-6, etc.), Real Deal will step in and make the final call.

The ground rules:

1) Don't sign up unless you're sure that you can actively participate. This won't be some ridiculous commitment or anything, we'll have an organized structure for the presentation and voting of each playoff match-up. You'll probably just have to check in one night and look over whatever two different teams have presented and then make your pick. If you can't devote that much time (really like 10 minutes tops), don't bother signing up.

2) Don't try to screw someone over in the playoffs because of some bias or if you're scared of their team upsetting you. You'll have to explain why you voted for a particular team (doesn't have to be an essay or anything, brief explanation). Honestly, if you try to screw someone over, it's very likely that they'll get you back in your next match-up. Just don't do it.

3) When you cast your vote in a particular match-up, it is final. No going back and changing the vote. Make sure you take into account the arguments for each team and make an informed, intelligent vote. Obviously GMs will have to try their best to sway you to their side.

So let me know in this thread which of you guys are interested, I'll update this thread as we get people signing up. We're hoping to finish up the set-up of teams (draft, free agency, trades) before we start the playoffs next week.

I wanted to keep judging within the people that signed up for this game because they'll actually have invested the time and effort into this thing. They'll remember to check in and they've shown good enthusiasm to this point with active draft participation. Keeping it within the people that signed up is ultimately a better system imo because we won't have to worry about judges forgetting to log in and check in or just flat out losing complete interest in this sort of thing.

If it works out, we're having 2 conferences for playoffs, correct? We should have all the players from one conference vote for the matchups in the other conference. That would eliminate collusion or whatever anyone is worried about up until the championship.

Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.

We have 8 total judges for the playoffs. If you're competing in a matchup, You obviously can't judge it.

I've posted the list of judges in each matchup thread. We have 7 for each of the four matchups. Just a reminder that after both write ups are posted in their respective threads, it will be up to you guys to make a decision.